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While the French compensation law for occupational diseases was passed in 1919, it was not until 1972 that the State Department of Labor recognized a musculoskeletal disorder. During this long intermediate period, workers were continually suffering from illnesses caused by performing difficult movements, or by excessive use of hands, arms or legs. Actions were constantly taken to obtain compensation for these occupational diseases. Early in the century, the competent authorities were aware of musculoskeletal overuse syndromes. National social welfare officials made frequent calls for recognition. But in the Labor Department, medical experts, employers’ representatives, and government officials used several arguments and administrative procedures to hinder recognition. Under the influence of European construction and the critical movement of 1968, this policy of denial finally began to crumble.